Where have I been?

Photo cred: Megatron McCord. Some backcountry on Rabbit Ears Pass. One of the most beautiful things I have learned recently is from the astronomer, Carl Sagan. Sagan posits we are all connected through what he calls “star stuff.” That is, every atom in our bodies was created eons ago by a star. And we all have that star stuff. We are all connected through it. The Mountains and snow also have star stuff.

“Once there was a Tree. And she loved a little boy.” – Shel Silverstein

So, where have I been? Lots of places. And I will get to those later. But a few specific words at the right time from the right people have brought me back.

Here are some words, exchanges and situations that have been weighing heavy on this Heart recently:

An honest, tough love email from a good friend, who I have neglected recently. I will spare the details, but this was not just about the neglect of a single person or relationship. This special person called me out on laziness and an extreme lack of communicating gratitude towards others. Of course the selflessness of this friend was on complete display by making it about others who have been neglected and not herself (even though she absolutely has). So, to my good friend, I am sorry. Soon I will get over the embarrassment of disappointing you and others and we will rebuild this relationship.

A comment from a new Impact in my life. There is a new force in my life. There is no telling how long this person will be in my life, but I am grateful for the time I have had. Again, I will spare specifics, but suffice to say, it took one statement at the absolute perfect time to make me reconsider a recent decision. The perfect words and the perfect time from an impactful person can change everything. That is precisely what happened.

Missing an opportunity to spend an extended weekend with my family. And by missing, I mean choosing other, less important ventures over spending time with multiple Trees in my life.

But all of this is in the past now. And it is time to move forward. So, to all of the Trees in my life who have continually loved this little boy, thank you. You are appreciated and thought about constantly. Whether I communicate that through words or actions, you are with my thoughts and heart.

When I think about all of the trees in my life, I think about two quotes from two of my favorite authors. Both are on my mind daily and both I strive (and usually fail) to reach.

“He said to me I was a tree in a story about a forest, and that it was arrogant of me to believe any differently. And he told me the story of the forest is better than the story of the tree.” – Don Miller

“And so it is those we live with and should know who elude us. But we can still love them – we can love completely without complete understanding.” – Norman Maclean

Where is your forest? Who is in your forest? Who are your Trees?

Here is to hoping you find your forest sooner than later and you find you can love completely without complete understanding.